‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord’
Topping up your oil & trimming your wick September 2024
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matt 24:42 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thess 5:6 In the New Testament, words such as “watchful” “awake” “alert” or be on your guard are frequently used to urge us not to neglect the significant signs and events surrounding us. Today there is a loud call for us all to be watchful. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 We are to be particularly watchful, mindful and alert to the devil’s plots, schemes and activities. He is the father of lies, deceit and delusion. His aim is the destruction of your soul, seeking to make you powerless and ineffective in your authority, witness and stance for the Lord.
God called Ezekiel to be a prophetic watchman for Israel warning of spiritual danger and beckoning the Israelites to repentance and to walk a life of righteousness. Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, you will surely die, and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 3:17-19
Historically the old city of Jerusalem had walls up to 12 metres high and 2.5 metres wide around the perimeter. The watchmen would stand upon the top of those walls guarding the city, keeping an eye out, looking into the distance for approaching messengers, unusual activity, or most importantly, any sign of an enemy or opposing army. The watchman's task involved sounding the alarm, by blowing the shofar, the trumpet, alerting the inhabitants of imminent physical danger. The role of a watchman on the wall was physically demanding and required constant attention, keen observation skills, sharp eyesight and the ability to remain alert for extended periods of time especially during times of heightened tension or conflict.
God said to Ezekiel, say what I tell you to say, then you will not bear responsibility for the disobedience of those refusing to heed the message. But if you fail to speak the words’ I tell you, then their blood will be on your head and hands. Ezekiel’s responsibility was to speak the message God entrusted to him.
As Christians we are not physically standing on the walls of Jerusalem though we are commissioned to sound a warning to a lost world as we fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith, as we keep looking up for our redemption. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed to take away the sin of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Heb 9:27-28 Jesus is coming back as the King of kings and Lord of lords to judge the living and the dead. There only two eternal destinations where mankind will live for eternity, Heaven or Hell, the only way to spend eternity in heaven, is through acknowledging and accepting Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down his life on Calvary’s cross, shedding his blood for the payment of your sin, after three days He arose from the grave, ascending to the right hand of God the Father and He lives forever more. Repent, turn away from your sin and receive the salvation of the Lord.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….1 Peter 3:15 Wokeism, cancel culture and other worldly ideologies are seeking to silence God’s Word, keeping people in darkness and in confusion. To proclaim God’s Word will cause offence to many, if as watchmen we fail to speak the Truth, we will be held accountable before God. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
Through prayer and intercession, we as watchmen will be able to have our oil topped up and our wicks trimmed enabling our light to burn brightly keeping us alert to the schemes of the evil one, enabling us to discern truth from error as we declare God’s Word. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and keep on praying for all the saints. Eph 6:18
We must intercede on behalf of our families, communities, Christian ministries, our government, while also being those watchmen for Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. Isaiah 62:6-7 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may those who love you be secure. Psalm 122:6
Greg and Judy’s Update:Ministry times in Port Macquarie and the Gold Coast were well received by the various fellowships. We are looking forward to leaving on the 6th September travelling to the Adelaide area and below for 6 speaking sessions between the 8th and 22nd of September. In October we will be at Toowoomba, Cobar and possibly the Moree area.
Greg is continuing his rehabilitation exercises and is looking forward to the time when he will be able to walk without the aid of a walking stick, thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.
Please note we have a new mailing address; it is best to address correspondence to
G and J Willis at PO BOX 95 Parkes NSW 2870.
Prayer Points:Pray for continued safety as we travel on the roads and our van will continue to be a reliable vehicle as the kilometres begin to build up on it.
Pray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the war in Gaza drags on and the threat of escalation remains. May the Lord God supply all the IDF needs to combat the evil surrounding them.
Praise God for the hostages which have been rescued and may the rest of them be returned to their families. Pray for Peter Dutton and those within the Coalition who are making a stand for Israel, may their voices be heard far and wide in this nation and beyond and may God’s blessing and favour rest upon them.
As the prophet Balaam said of Israel: Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness, who dares rouse them? May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed. Numbers 24:9